US20210274843A1

US20210274843A1 - Device for Vaporization of Concentrated Phyto Material Extracts

Info

Publication number: US20210274843A1
Application number: US17/194,214
Authority: US
Inventors: Michael Trzecieski
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2016-08-18
Filing date: 2021-03-06
Publication date: 2021-09-09

Abstract

A vaporization element, device and method for vaporizing phyto material. A hollow member defining a fluid pathway is positioned proximate a heating element with a phyto material contact surface. An electrical heater is positioned on the opposite side of the phyto material contact surface. Phyto material or extract deposited on the phyto material contact surface can be vaporized by heat from the electrical heater. The vapor can enter the fluid pathway and pass through the hollow member to an inhalation aperture. The electrical heater may be powered by an electrical power source provided in a support unit. The hollow member can be mounted to a vapor processing device that cools and/or filters the vapor before it reaches the inhalation aperture. The support unit may have securement mechanisms to attach the vapor processing device to the vaporization device.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application is a Continuation in Part of U.S. application Ser. No. 15/240,203 filed on Aug. 18, 2016, which claims the benefit of the filing date of U.S. Provisional Application 62/215,168 filed on Sep. 8, 2015, the disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference and this application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/986,701 filed Mar. 8, 2020 and U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/989,387 filed on Mar. 13, 2020 the entireties of which is incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The technical field relates to a device for vaporization of phyto materials and more specifically to a device for vaporization of phyto material extracts.

INTRODUCTION

The following is intended to introduce the reader to the detailed description that follows and not to define or limit the claimed subject matter. Aromatherapy generally uses essential oils, which are extracted from phyto materials, such as leaves of plants, for therapeutic benefits. These essential oils are either massaged into the skin or can be inhaled. In some cases, the phyto materials are heated in order to release the essential oils therefrom. By heating these phyto materials at predetermined temperatures, essential oils and extracts are boiled off, depending upon the temperature at which these phyto materials are heated, an aroma or vapor is given off, which is then inhaled by a user for its therapeutic benefits. Devices that provide such operation are generally known as vaporizers. There are also extracts available that are derived from the phyto material or loose-leaf aromatherapy materials and these have a consistency of honey and are typically highly purified forms. Normally these extracts are vaporized at temperatures between 500 to 700 degrees Fahrenheit.
Devices that process these concentrated phyto material extracts typically include a waterpipe, or water filtration apparatus, that has an input port and an inhalation aperture with a fluid pathway formed therebetween. Normally a metal or ceramic vaporization element is inserted into the input port and it is heated with a torch to get it to reach a temperature of about 500 to 700 degrees Fahrenheit. Measurement of the temperature of the vaporization element is not measured and usually the process is a visual or time based one. Phyto material extract is applied to the vaporization element and a user inhales from the inhalation aperture of the waterpipe, which results in vaporized phyto material and ambient air to flow into the inhalation aperture and into the fluid pathway for being cooled by the water which is typically disposed within this fluid pathway to cool the vapor air mixture.
Because the heating is performed by a torch, such devices do not typically vaporize the concentrated phyto material extracts and instead combust them. Heating to combustion temperatures usually results in smoke and other combustion by products to be inhaled therefrom. This combustion of course isn't a safe process as there are many harmful byproducts released in the combustion process. Glass or ceramic vaporization elements are preferable as these materials offer an experience that affects a taste of the vapor the least.
There are other solutions on the market that utilize a metal nail with a heater coil wrapped around it that are normally plugged into a wall, however these devices are cumbersome and not power efficient because of an amount of thermal mass that needs to be heated in order to attain a required vaporization temperature of the heated member. They are also not appealing in product design and can lead to end user's tripper over the power supply cables. Not to mention that these devices are also not portable.
It is therefore an object of the invention to provide an aromatherapy vaporization device that overcomes the aforementioned deficiencies.

SUMMARY

The following introduction is provided to introduce the reader to the more detailed description to follow and not to limit or define any claimed or as yet unclaimed invention. One or more inventions may reside in any combination or sub-combination of the elements or process steps disclosed in any part of this document including its claims and figures.
In accordance with the embodiments of the invention there is provided a device for vaporization of concentrated phyto material extracts for attaching to a waterpipe having an input port and an inhalation aperture with a waterpipe fluid pathway formed therebetween comprising: a vaporization element comprising: an elongated hollow member formed from a low thermal conductivity material having a first end and a second end opposite the first end, a fluid pathway propagating through the elongated hollow member from the first end to the second end thereof, the second end for coupling with the waterpipe input port; an annular heating element having a first side and a second side opposite the first side, the annular heating element thermally coupled with the elongated hollow member proximate the first end and having the first side facing the first end with the fluid pathway propagating through a center thereof, the annular heating element comprising a first electrical contact and a second electrical contact proximate the second side, the annular heating element secured to the elongated hollow member for allowing thermal expansion thereof along a radial axis perpendicular to the fluid pathway, the annular heating element comprising a resistive heater disposed between the first and second electrical contacts and proximate the second side; and an electrical power source electrically coupled with the first and second electrical contacts for providing of electrical power to the resistive heater for heating of the resistive heater for imparting thermal energy to the annular heating element, wherein during heating of the resistive heater, a portion of the thermal energy is transferred to the annular heating element first side and another portion, other than the first portion, is transferred to the elongated hollow member proximate the first end, upon the annular heating element second side reaching a predetermined temperature the concentrated phyto material extract is applied to the annular heating element first side and becomes vaporized and upon inhalation from the inhalation aperture this vapor is mixed with ambient air and flows through the fluid pathway from the first end where it loses thermal energy to the elongated hollow member proximate the second end as it propagates through the input port of the waterpipe and through the waterpipe fluid pathway and to the inhalation aperture.
In accordance with the embodiments of the invention there is provided a device for vaporization of concentrated phyto material extracts for attaching to a waterpipe having an input port and an inhalation aperture with a waterpipe fluid pathway formed therebetween comprising: a vaporization element comprising: an elongated hollow member formed from a low thermal conductivity material having a first end and a second end opposite the first end, a fluid pathway propagating through the elongated hollow member from the first end to the second end thereof, the second end for coupling with the waterpipe input port; an annular heating element having a first side and a second side opposite the first side, the annular heating element thermally coupled with the elongated hollow member proximate the first end and having the first side facing the first end with the fluid pathway propagating through a center thereof, the annular heating element comprising a first electrical contact and a second electrical contact proximate the second side, the annular heating element secured to the elongated hollow member using silica and for allowing thermal expansion of the annular heating element along a radial axis perpendicular to the fluid pathway, the annular heating element comprising a metallic planar heater disposed on the second side between the first and second electrical contacts; an electrical power source comprising a plurality of batteries electrically coupled with a first control circuit, which is electrically coupled with the first and second electrical contacts for controllably providing of electrical power to the metallic planar heater for heating of the metallic planar heater for imparting thermal energy to the annular heating element, wherein during heating of the metallic planar heater, a portion of the thermal energy is transferred to the annular heating element first side and another portion, other than the first portion, is transferred to the elongated hollow member proximate the first end, upon the annular heating element second side reaching a predetermined temperature the concentrated phyto material extract is applied to the annular heating element first side and becomes vaporized and upon inhalation from the inhalation aperture this vapor is mixed with ambient air and flows through the fluid pathway from the first end where loses thermal energy to the elongated hollow member proximate the second end as it propagates through the input port of the waterpipe and through to the waterpipe fluid pathway and through the inhalation aperture; and a first housing for having the electrical power source contained there and the plurality of batteries, the first housing comprising an adjustable clamping mechanism for frictionally engaging of the waterpipe.
In accordance with the embodiments of the invention there is provided a device for vaporization of concentrated phyto material extracts for attaching to a waterpipe having an input port and an inhalation aperture with a waterpipe fluid pathway formed therebetween comprising: a vaporization element comprising: an elongated hollow member formed from a low thermal conductivity material having a first end and a second end opposite the first end, a fluid pathway propagating through the elongated hollow member from the first end to the second end thereof, the second end for coupling with the waterpipe input port; a partial annular heating element radially disposed about the elongated hollow member, the partial annular heating element having a first side and a second side opposite the first side, the partial annular heating element thermally coupled with the elongated hollow member proximate the first end and having the first side facing the first end with the fluid pathway propagating through a center thereof, the partial annular heating element comprising a first electrical contact and a second electrical contact proximate the second side, the partial annular heating element secured to the elongated hollow member for allowing thermal expansion thereof along a radial axis perpendicular to the fluid pathway, the partial annular heating element comprising a resistive heater disposed between the first and second electrical contacts and proximate the second side; an electrical power source electrically coupled with the first and second electrical contacts for providing of electrical power to the resistive heater for heating of the resistive heater for imparting thermal energy to the partial annular heating element, wherein during heating of the resistive heater, a portion of the thermal energy is transferred to the partial annular heating element first side and another portion, other than the first portion, is transferred to the elongated hollow member proximate the first end, upon the partial annular heating element second side reaching a predetermined temperature the concentrated phyto material extract is applied to the partial annular heating element first side and becomes vaporized and upon inhalation from the inhalation aperture this vapor is mixed with ambient air and flows through the fluid pathway from the first end where loses thermal energy to the elongated hollow member proximate the second end as it propagates through the input port of the waterpipe and through the waterpipe fluid pathway and through to the inhalation aperture.
In accordance with an aspect of this disclosure, there is provided a device for vaporization of concentrated phyto material extracts comprising: a housing comprising an electrical power source and a control circuit; an inhalation unit that is detachably attachable to the housing, the inhalation unit comprising a fluid chamber, an inhalation aperture, a vapor input port and a unit fluid pathway extending between the vapor input port and the inhalation aperture, wherein the fluid chamber defines a water volume within which water is receivable and the unit fluid pathway extends through the fluid chamber; and a vaporization unit that is detachably attachable to the housing, wherein the vaporization unit comprises a heating unit having a first surface defining a phyto material receiving area and a second surface opposite to the first surface, the heating unit comprising a heater positioned to contact the second surface, the vaporization unit includes at least two electrical contacts connected to the heater and extending axially away from the second surface, wherein the phyto material receiving area has a vapor outlet that is axially spaced apart from the first surface and the first surface comprises a ceramic material; wherein when the vaporization unit is attached to the housing and the inhalation unit is attached to the housing, the vapor outlet is in fluid communication with the vapor input port and a continuous flow path is defined between the phyto material receiving area and the inhalation aperture; the heater is connected to the electrical power source through the at least two electrical contacts; the control circuit is operable to controllably provide electrical power from the electrical power source to the heater and thereby heat the heater whereby thermal energy is transferred to the first surface to heat the first surface to a predefined vaporization temperature.
In accordance with an aspect of this disclosure, there is provided a device for vaporization of concentrated phyto material extracts, the device attachable to a waterpipe having an input port and an inhalation aperture with a waterpipe fluid pathway formed therebetween, the device comprising: a vaporization element comprising: an elongated hollow member comprising a heating chamber housing and a first end comprising a proximal end and a second end comprising a distal end opposite the first end and an access opening at the proximal end, a vapor outlet at the distal end; a heating chamber assembly defined by a proximal opening facing the access opening and a distal floor having a fluid pathway formed therein and disposed towards the distal end of the heating chamber, the fluid pathway propagating through the elongated hollow member from the first end to the second end thereof, wherein the second end of the fluid pathway is engageable with the waterpipe input port; an annular heating element having a proximal side and a distal side opposite the proximal side, the annular heating element having the proximal side facing the proximal end and the proximal opening with the fluid pathway propagating through a center of the annular heating element, the annular heating element comprising: a first electrical contact and a second electrical contact proximate the second side, the annular heating element comprising a resistive heater disposed between the first and second electrical contacts and proximate the second side and an inverted cup heating assembly having an outer sidewall extending from the proximal end, facing the proximal opening, to the distal end and an inverted cavity having a cavity inner sidewall terminating at a cavity ceiling, a cavity opening facing the distal floor and the fluid pathway being at least partially disposed within inverted cavity with the fluid pathway being radially spaced from the inner sidewall; and a distally directed circuitous air and vapor path for distally extending from the access opening in a distal direction past the inverted cup heating assembly outer sidewall towards the distal floor and being deflected proximally by the distal floor for propagating proximally along the cavity inner sidewall and along the fluid pathway and being deflected by the cavity ceiling for propagating through the fluid pathway in fluid communication with the a vapor outlet at the distal end of the heating chamber housing; an electrical power source electrically coupled with the first and second electrical contacts for providing electrical power to the resistive heater to heat the resistive heater and thereby impart thermal energy to the annular heating element and to the inverted cup heating assembly, wherein during heating of the resistive heater, concentrated phyto material extract being applied to the annular heating element proximal side and the concentrated phyto material extract is vaporized and upon inhalation from the inhalation aperture this vapor is mixed with ambient air and flows through the fluid pathway and through the waterpipe and through the waterpipe fluid pathway through to the inhalation aperture.
In some embodiments the heating element assembly comprises a porous ceramic structure formed from a unitary construction, the porous ceramic structure having embedded at least partially therein the annular heating element having the proximal end comprising a proximal wicking end, the proximal wicking end for receiving the concentrated phyto material extract.
In some embodiments a releasably engageable power and fluid pathway coupling disposed proximate the distal end of the heating chamber assembly wherein the releasably engageable power and fluid pathway is for receiving of electrical power from an external power source for providing of the electrical power to the heating element wire.
In some embodiments the annular heating element comprises the porous ceramic structure substantially containing the resistive wire embedded therein and for when the resistive wire is energized upon receiving of electrical energy from the external power source for wicking the phyto material extract from the proximal wicking end towards the heating element wire and heating of the material for vaporization to the predetermined temperature for creating a vapor therefrom for being emitted into the vapor path from the cavity inner sidewall and for wicking of the material for vaporization from the proximal end into the porous ceramic structure towards the distal end and for contacting the resistive wire.
In some embodiments the heating element assembly comprises the proximal wicking end and a distal annular end with the cavity inner sidewall extending from the distal end towards the proximal end terminating at the cavity ceiling and spaced apart from the proximal wicking end with a ceiling thickness, the cavity inner sidewall and the cavity ceiling forming the inverted cavity and the outer sidewall extending from the proximal wicking end to the distal end, the heating element assembly comprising a heating element wire disposed between the inner and outer sidewall with the inverted cavity forming an opening toward the distal end, proximal wicking end accessible via access opening.
In some embodiments inserting phyto material extract through the access opening and the material for vaporization flowing past the inverted cup heating assembly outer sidewall for resting at the distal floor for contacting the distal annular end and a fluid gap spacing the distal end of the heating element assembly away from the distal floor.
In some embodiments the fluid pathway comprises a hollow tubular member defined by an outer sidewall and an inner sidewall, the hollow tubular member extending from the distal floor of heating chamber and surrounding the fluid pathway and the hollow tubular member for inserting within the inverted cavity for supporting the cavity ceiling and comprising at least a vapor aperture disposed therein proximate the ceiling of the inverted atomizer cup, the at least a vapor aperture in fluid communication with the fluid pathway with the inner sidewall facing the fluid pathway and the outer sidewall facing the cavity inner sidewall and the outer sidewall facing the cavity inner sidewall.
In some embodiments inserting phyto material extract through the access opening and the material for vaporization flowing past the inverted cup heating assembly outer sidewall for resting at the distal floor for contacting the distal annular end and a fluid gap spacing the distal end of the heating element assembly away from the distal floor wherein the phyto material extract fills the fluid gap wherein the circuitous air and vapor path propagates through this fluid gap.
In accordance with an aspect of this disclosure there is provided a device for vaporization of concentrated phyto material extracts, the device attachable to a water pipe having an input port and an inhalation aperture with a waterpipe fluid pathway formed therebetween, the device comprising: a heating chamber housing having a proximal end and a distal end, an access opening at the proximal end, a vapor outlet at the distal end; a releasably engageable power and fluid pathway disposed proximate the distal end of the heating chamber assembly for engaging of the water pipe input port; a heating chamber defined by a proximal opening facing the access opening and a distal floor having a fluid pathway formed therein and disposed within the heating chamber assembly between the proximal end and the distal end; a heating element assembly having a proximal wicking end and a distal annular end with an cavity inner sidewall extending from the distal end towards the proximal end terminating at a cavity ceiling and spaced apart from the proximal wicking end with a ceiling thickness, the cavity inner sidewall and the cavity ceiling forming an inverted cavity and an outer sidewall extending from the proximal wicking end to the distal end, the heating element assembly comprising a heating element wire disposed between the inner and outer sidewall with the inverted cavity forming an opening toward the distal end, proximal wicking end accessible via access opening; a hollow tubular member defined by an outer sidewall and an inner sidewall, the hollow tubular member extending from the distal floor of heating chamber and surrounding the fluid pathway and the hollow tubular member for inserting within the inverted cavity for supporting the cavity ceiling and comprising at least a vapor aperture disposed therein proximate the ceiling of the inverted atomizer cup, the at least a vapor aperture in fluid communication with the fluid pathway with the inner sidewall facing the fluid pathway and the outer sidewall facing the cavity inner sidewall and the outer sidewall facing the cavity inner sidewall; a vapor path extending distally from the access opening towards the distal floor and being deflected proximally between the cavity inner sidewall and the outer sidewall and further being deflected radially along the cavity ceiling and towards the at least a vapor aperture and distally through the fluid pathway to the vapor outlet and distally from the releasably engageable power and fluid pathway in fluid communication therewith, wherein the releasably engageable power and fluid pathway is for receiving of electrical power from an external power source for providing of the electrical power to the heating element wire,
wherein the heating element assembly comprises a porous ceramic structure for receiving a material for vaporization and for substantially containing the heating element wire embedded therein and for when the heating element wire is energized upon receiving of electrical energy from the external power source for wicking the material for the proximal wicking end towards the heating element wire and heating of the material for vaporization to a predetermined temperature for creating a vapor therefrom for being emitted into the vapor path from the cavity inner sidewall and for wicking the material for vaporization from the proximal end into the porous ceramic structure and for the vapor path to pass through the access opening.
In some embodiments the heating element assembly comprises an annular heating element comprising a first electrical contact and a second electrical contact proximate the second side, the annular heating element comprising the heating element wire disposed between the first and second electrical contacts and the fluid pathway being at least partially disposed within inverted cavity with the fluid pathway being radially spaced from the inner sidewall.
In some embodiments a distally directed circuitous air and vapor path for distally extending from the access opening in a distal direction past the inverted cup heating assembly outer sidewall towards the distal floor and being deflected proximally by the distal floor for propagating proximally along the cavity inner sidewall and along the fluid pathway and being deflected by the cavity ceiling for propagating through the fluid pathway in fluid communication with the a vapor outlet at the distal end of the heating chamber housing.
In accordance with an aspect there is disclosed a device for vaporization of concentrated phyto material extracts, the device attachable to a water pipe having an input port and an inhalation aperture with a waterpipe fluid pathway formed therebetween, the device comprising: a heating chamber assembly comprising: a heating chamber housing having a proximal end and a distal end, an access opening at the proximal end, a vapor outlet at the distal end and the heating chamber assembly disposed within the device for vaporization and the heating chamber assembly comprising an annular heating element assembly disposed between the proximal end and the distal end; a water pipe adapter having a fluid pathway therein for releasably engaging the downstem of the water pipe; frictionally engaging of the water pipe adapter with the downstem of the water pipe for forming a fluid circuitous pathway from the access opening to the downstem of the water pipe; suspending of the water pipe adapter and the heating chamber assembly and the control module by the frictionally engaging of the water pipe adapter with the downstem of the water pipe; and engaging a control module with the heating chamber assembly for controllably providing of electrical energy to for creating a vapor when a phyto material extract is applied to the annular heating element assembly and the vapor flowing along a fluid circuitous pathway from the access opening to the downstem of the water pipe and further through the water pipe and into a mouthpiece thereof.
In some embodiments a coupling module comprising a coupling module proximal end and a coupling module distal end opposite the coupling module proximal end, the coupling module proximal end comprising: a releasably engageable power and fluid pathway receiver for releasably engaging with the releasably engageable power and fluid pathway and electrically coupled with the heating element assembly and, the control module comprising: a proximal end, a distal end, and sidewalls extending from the proximal end to the distal end and a battery coupled with a control circuit enclosed between the proximal and distal ends of the control module, the control module having a long axis parallel with the sidewalls and a short axis perpendicular with the sidewalls.
In some embodiments a control module receiver is disposed between the coupling module proximal end and a coupling module distal end; a water pipe adapter having a water pipe adapter proximal end for attaching with the coupling module distal end and having a water pipe adapter distal end for frictionally engaging a water pipe having a downstem from one of an outside surface of the downstem and an inside surface of the downstem, wherein the downstem comprises a lumen; the fluid circuitous pathway comprising a vapor path extending through the releasably engageable power and fluid pathway receiver through the water pipe adapter for fluidly coupling of the fluid pathway with the downstem lumen; and a control module connector electrically coupled with the control circuit and the control module connector formed on a sidewall of the control module, the control module connector for releasably engaging of the control module receiver for controllably providing of electrical power from the control circuit to the heating element assembly, wherein when the control module is releasably coupled with the coupling module the control module long axis is other than transverse with the vapor path.
In some embodiments controllably providing of electrical energy to the heating chamber assembly comprises: providing a heating profile from the received electrical energy from the external power source for applying of the heating profile to the heating chamber assembly comprising a heating element wire, the heating profile comprising a varying duty cycle of power allied from the control module to the heating element wire.
In some embodiments the heating chamber assembly comprises a heating element assembly comprises a porous ceramic structure formed from a unitary construction having and a proximal wicking end, the proximal wicking end for receiving a material for vaporization, the heating element wire embedded within the porous ceramic structure.
In some embodiments the water pipe adapter comprises a releasable male adapter for being releasably coupled with the coupling module coupling module for releasably frictionally engaging an inner surface of the lumen of the downstem where the vaporizer assembly is supported by the inner surface of the lumen.
In some embodiments the water pipe adapter comprises a female adapter formed as part of the coupling module coupling module distal end for releasably frictionally engaging an outer surface of the lumen of the downstem where the vaporizer assembly is supported by the outer surface of the lumen.
In some embodiments at least one of the control module connector and control module receiver comprise a magnet for selectively releasably engaging of the control module receiver and the control module connector.
In some embodiments the control module comprises a user interface electrically coupled with the control circuit for determining of the controllably providing of electrical power from the control circuit to the heating element assembly.
In accordance with an aspect of this disclosure a heating chamber assembly is provided comprising: a heating chamber housing having a proximal end and a distal end, an access opening at the proximal end, a vapor outlet at the distal end; a releasably engageable power and fluid pathway disposed proximate the distal end of the heating chamber assembly; a heating chamber defined by a proximal opening facing the access opening and a distal floor having a fluid pathway formed therein and disposed towards the distal end of the heating chamber; an inverted cup heating assembly having an outer sidewall extending from the proximal wicking end to the distal end and an inverted cavity having a cavity inner sidewall terminating at a cavity ceiling, a cavity opening facing the distal floor and the fluid pathway being at least partially disposed within inverted cavity with the fluid pathway being radially spaced from the inner sidewall; and
a distally directed circuitous air and vapor path for distally extending from the access opening in a distal direction past the inverted cup heating assembly outer sidewall towards the distal floor and being deflected proximally by the distal floor for propagating proximally along the cavity inner sidewall and along the fluid pathway and being deflected by the cavity ceiling for propagating through the fluid pathway in fluid communication with the a vapor outlet at the distal end of the heating chamber housing.
In some embodiments a heating chamber housing having a proximal end and a distal end, an access opening at the proximal end, a vapor outlet at the distal end; a releasably engageable power and fluid pathway disposed proximate the distal end of the heating chamber assembly; a heating chamber defined by a proximal opening facing the access opening and a distal floor having a fluid pathway formed therein and disposed towards the distal end of the heating chamber; an inverted cup heating assembly having an outer sidewall extending from the proximal wicking end to the distal end and an inverted cavity having a cavity inner sidewall terminating at a cavity ceiling, a cavity opening facing the distal floor and the fluid pathway being at least partially disposed within inverted cavity with the fluid pathway being radially spaced from the inner sidewall; and a proximally directed circuitous air and vapor path for proximally extending from the vapor outlet at the distal end of the heating chamber housing towards the fluid pathway for propagating along the fluid pathway in fluid communication therewith and being deflected by the cavity ceiling for propagating distally along the cavity inner sidewall and being deflected proximally by the distal floor for propagating past the inverted cup heating assembly outer sidewall towards the an access opening.
In some embodiments the heating element assembly comprises wherein the fluid pathway other than directly opens to the access opening and is covered by the cavity ceiling. In some embodiments the cavity ceiling extends radially past an outside surface of the vapor conduit.
In some embodiments the heating element wire is disposed towards the distal annular end.
In some embodiments the releasably engageable power and fluid pathway is for receiving of electrical power from an external power source for providing of the electrical power to the heating element wire; wherein the heating element assembly comprises a porous ceramic structure for receiving a material for vaporization and for substantially containing the heating element wire embedded therein and for when the heating element wire is energized upon receiving of electrical energy from the external power source for wicking the material for the proximal wicking end towards the heating element wire and heating of the material for vaporization to a predetermined temperature for creating a vapor therefrom for being emitted into the vapor path from the cavity inner sidewall and for percolating the material for vaporization from the proximal flat end into the porous ceramic structure.
In some embodiments a distance between the inner and outer sidewall of the inverted cup heating assembly comprise a wall thickness where the wall thickness is between 0.8 mm and 1.2 mm.
In some embodiments a distance the cavity ceiling and the proximal wicking end comprise a ceiling thickness where the ceiling thickness is between 0.8 mm and 1.2 mm.
In some embodiments a porosity of the porous ceramic is about 40% to 50%.
In some embodiments upon receiving of electrical energy from the external power source comprises providing a heating profile from the received electrical energy from the external power source for applying of the heating profile to the heating element wire.
In some embodiments inserting phyto material extract through the access opening and the material for vaporization flowing past the inverted cup heating assembly outer sidewall for resting at the distal floor for contacting the distal annular end and a fluid gap spacing the distal end of the heating element assembly away from the distal floor wherein the phyto material extract fills the fluid gap.
In some embodiments inserting phyto material extract through the access opening and the material for vaporization flowing past the inverted cup heating assembly outer sidewall and for contacting the proximal wicking end and for when power is applied to the heating wire for reducing a viscosity of the material for vaporization for facilitating the flow of the material for vaporization through the inverted cup towards the heating wire.
In some embodiments inserting phyto material extract through the access opening and the material for vaporization for contacting the proximal wicking end and for when power is applied to the heating wire a temperature of the proximal wicking end is less than a predetermined temperature which is less than a temperature to cause vaporisation of the material for vaporization and a temperature sufficient to reduce a viscosity of the material for vaporization.
In some embodiments a heating chamber assembly comprising a heating chamber housing having a proximal end and a distal end, an access opening at the proximal end, a vapor outlet at the distal end; a releasably engageable power and fluid pathway disposed proximate the distal end of the heating chamber assembly; a heating chamber defined by a proximal opening facing the access opening and a distal floor having a fluid pathway formed therein and disposed within the heating chamber assembly between the proximal end and the distal end; a heating element assembly having a proximal wicking end and a distal annular end with an cavity inner sidewall extending from the distal end towards the proximal end terminating at a cavity ceiling and spaced apart from the proximal wicking end with a ceiling thickness, the cavity inner sidewall and the cavity ceiling forming an inverted cavity and an outer sidewall extending from the proximal wicking end to the distal end, the heating element assembly comprising a heating element wire disposed between the inner and outer sidewall with the inverted cavity forming an opening toward the distal end, proximal wicking end accessible via access opening; a hollow tubular member defined by an outer sidewall and an inner sidewall, the hollow tubular member extending from the distal floor of heating chamber and surrounding the fluid pathway and the hollow tubular member for inserting within the inverted cavity for supporting the cavity ceiling 1003 c and comprising at least a vapor aperture disposed therein proximate the ceiling of the inverted atomizer cup, the at least a vapor aperture in fluid communication with the fluid pathway with the inner sidewall facing the fluid pathway and the outer sidewall facing the cavity inner sidewall and the outer sidewall facing the cavity inner sidewall; a vapor path extending proximally from the releasably engageable power and fluid pathway through the vapor outlet and into the fluid pathway and being deflected radially along the cavity ceiling towards the at least a vapor aperture and being deflected distally between the cavity inner sidewall and the outer sidewall and deflected proximally from the distal floor towards the access opening; wherein the releasably engageable power and fluid pathway is for receiving of electrical power from an external power source for providing of the electrical power to the heating element wire; wherein the heating element assembly comprises a porous ceramic structure for receiving a material for vaporization and for substantially containing the heating element wire embedded therein and for when the heating element wire is energized upon receiving of electrical energy from the external power source for wicking the material for the proximal wicking end towards the heating element wire and heating of the material for vaporization to a predetermined temperature for creating a vapor therefrom for being emitted into the vapor path from the cavity inner sidewall and for wicking (percolating) the material for vaporization from the proximal flat end into the porous ceramic structure and for the vapor path to pass through the releasably engageable power and fluid pathway; wherein upon receiving of electrical energy from the external power source comprises providing a heating profile from the received electrical energy from the external power source for applying of the heating profile to the heating element wire.
In some embodiments the water pipe adapter comprises a releasable male adapter for being releasably coupled with the coupling module coupling module for releasably frictionally engaging an inner surface of the lumen of the downstem where the vaporizer assembly is supported by the inner surface of the lumen.
In some embodiments the water pipe adapter comprises a female adapter formed as part of the coupling module coupling module distal end for releasably frictionally engaging an outer surface of the lumen of the downstem where the vaporizer assembly is supported by the outer surface of the lumen.
In some embodiments at least one of the control module connector and control module receiver comprise a magnet for selectively releasably engaging of the control module receiver and the control module connector.
In some embodiments the control module comprises a user interface electrically coupled with the control circuit for determining of the controllably providing of electrical power from the control circuit to the heating element assembly.
In some embodiments the user interface comprises at least a switch and a display module.
In some embodiments the releasably engageable power and fluid pathway receiver comprises a ground and a signal electrical connection for being coupled with the control module when the control module receiver and the control module connector are engaged.
In some embodiments the releasably engageable power and fluid pathway receiver comprises a ground and a signal electrical connection for being coupled with the control module when the control module receiver and the control module connector are engaged and where the control circuit is for providing pulse width modulation heating profile to the heating element assembly.
In some embodiments the releasably engageable power and fluid pathway receiver comprises a ground and a signal and a type electrical connection for being coupled with the control module when the control module receiver and the control module connector are engaged.
In some embodiments the releasably engageable power and fluid pathway receiver comprises a ground and a signal and a type electrical connection for being coupled with the control module when the control module receiver and the control module connector are engaged and where the control circuit is for providing pulse width modulation heating profile to the heating element assembly in dependence upon the type electrical connection.
In some embodiments the short axis of the control module is transverse with the vapor path.
In some embodiments the control module receiver is disposed proximate the control module distal end.
In some embodiments a central axis of the through the releasably engageable power and fluid pathway receiver is parallel with a central axis of the control module receiver.
In some embodiments a central axis of the control module receiver is parallel with the fluid pathway.
In some embodiments providing a heating chamber assembly comprising a heating chamber disposed having a proximal end and a distal end with a vapor outlet at the distal end a fluid pathway formed from the proximal end and a distal end, a heating element assembly in fluid communication with the vapor path attaching the heating chamber assembly to the coupling module through engaging of the releasably engageable power and fluid pathway receiver (VCR) for releasably engaging with the releasably engageable power and fluid pathway; releasably coupling of the control module comprising a control circuit connector electrically coupled with the control circuit and the control module connector formed on a sidewall of the control module, the control module connector for releasably engaging of the control module receiver where the control module long axis is other than transverse with the vapor path; controllably providing of a providing pulse width modulation heating profile from the control circuit to the heating element assembly; heating of the heating element assembly to at least a predetermined temperature using the provided pulse width modulation heating profile.
In some embodiments wherein the coupling module (CM) may facilitate the control module to be radially spaced from the heating chamber assembly and axially distally oriented from the heating chamber assembly for reducing a thermal energy transfer from the heating chamber assembly to the control module.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1A illustrates a vaporization element in the form of a first vaporization element;

FIG. 1B illustrates a fluid pathway formed in the first vaporization element;

FIG. 1C illustrates a top view of the first vaporization element;

FIG. 1D illustrates a bottom view of an annular heating element as part of the first vaporization element;

FIG. 1E illustrates a perspective view of a vaporization element in the form of a second vaporization element;

FIG. 1F illustrates a cutaway view of a vaporization element in the form of a second vaporization element;

FIG. 1G illustrates a perspective view of a vaporization element in the form of a third vaporization element having a partial annular heating element;

FIG. 1H illustrates a bottom view of a vaporization element in the form of a third vaporization element having a partial annular heating element;

FIG. 1I illustrates a perspective view of a variation of the third vaporization element having a partial annular heating element and a curved fluid pathway;

FIG. 2A illustrates a perspective view of device for vaporization of concentrated phyto material extracts coupled with a waterpipe and in accordance with a first embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 2B illustrates a device for vaporization of concentrated phyto material extracts in accordance with the first embodiment of the invention from a top view;

FIG. 2C illustrates a device for vaporization of concentrated phyto material extracts in accordance with the first embodiment of the invention from an opened front view;

FIG. 2D illustrates a device for vaporization of concentrated phyto material extracts in accordance with the first embodiment of the invention from a side view;

FIG. 3A illustrates a heating chamber assembly is shown in detail from a cutaway cross section view;

FIG. 3B illustrates a heating element assembly from a cutaway view;

FIG. 3C illustrates a heating element assembly from a bottom perspective view;

FIG. 3D illustrates the heating chamber 1002 in additional detail;

FIG. 3E illustrates a second embodiment of a heating chamber assembly from a cutaway view;

FIG. 4A illustrates a vaporizer assembly in accordance with an embodiment of the invention from a perspective view;

FIG. 4B illustrates a vaporizer assembly in accordance with an embodiment of the invention from an exploded perspective view;

FIG. 4C illustrates an exploded view of a control module as part of a vaporizer assembly having a cylindrical battery;

FIG. 4D illustrates an exploded view of a control module as part of a vaporizer assembly having a flat battery;

FIG. 4E illustrates a portion of a vaporizer assembly in accordance with an embodiment of the invention for being coupled with a downstem of a male water pipe in an uncoupled view;

FIG. 4F illustrates a portion of a vaporizer assembly in accordance with an embodiment of the invention for being coupled with a downstem of a female water pipe;

FIG. 4G illustrates a portion of a vaporizer assembly in accordance with an embodiment of the invention showing a coupling with a male water pipe;

FIG. 4H illustrates a portion of a vaporizer assembly in accordance with an embodiment of the invention for being coupled with a downstem of a female water pipe;

FIG. 5A illustrates an example graph generated with the use of a thermal imaging camera being used to measure through non-contact pyrometry of a heating element assembly; and

FIG. 5B illustrates an example graph of a PWM profile.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Various apparatuses, methods and compositions are described below to provide an example of an embodiment of each claimed invention. No embodiment described below limits any claimed invention and any claimed invention may cover apparatuses and methods that differ from those described below. The claimed inventions are not limited to apparatuses, methods and compositions having all of the features of any one apparatus, method or composition described below or to features common to multiple or all of the apparatuses, methods or compositions described below. It is possible that an apparatus, method or composition described below is not an embodiment of any claimed invention. Any invention disclosed in an apparatus, method or composition described below that is not claimed in this document may be the subject matter of another protective instrument, for example, a continuing patent application, and the applicant(s), inventor(s) and/or owner(s) do not intend to abandon, disclaim, or dedicate to the public any such invention by its disclosure in this document.
Furthermore, it will be appreciated that for simplicity and clarity of illustration, where considered appropriate, reference numerals may be repeated among the figures to indicate corresponding or analogous elements. In addition, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the example embodiments described herein. However, it will be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art that the example embodiments described herein may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known methods, procedures, and components have not been described in detail so as not to obscure the example embodiments described herein. Also, the description is not to be considered as limiting the scope of the example embodiments described herein.
The terms “an embodiment,” “embodiment,” “embodiments,” “the embodiment,” “the embodiments,” “one or more embodiments,” “some embodiments,” and “one embodiment” mean “one or more (but not all) embodiments of the present invention(s),” unless expressly specified otherwise.
The terms “including,” “comprising,” and variations thereof mean “including but not limited to,” unless expressly specified otherwise. A listing of items does not imply that any or all of the items are mutually exclusive, unless expressly specified otherwise. The terms “a,” “an,” and “the” mean “one or more,” unless expressly specified otherwise.
FIG. 2A illustrates a device for vaporization of concentrated phyto material extracts 100 (DVCPM) in accordance with a first embodiment of the invention. The DVCPM 100 is for attaching to a waterpipe 421 having an input port 421 b and an inhalation aperture 421 a with a waterpipe fluid pathway 8989 formed therebetween.
Referring to FIGS. 1A, 1B, 1C, 1D a vaporization element 2000 is shown in the form of a first vaporization element 2001. FIGS. 1E and 1F illustrate a vaporization element 2000 in the form of a second vaporization element 2002 and FIGS. 1G and 1H illustrates a vaporization element 2000 in the form of a third vaporization element 2003. FIG. 1I illustrates a vaporization element 2000 in the form of a fourth vaporization element 2004 that is a variation of the third vaporization element 2003. Throughout the detailed description, the vaporization element 2000 is for use in both of the first and second embodiments of the invention, DVCPM 100 and DVCPM 1000, respectively.
Referring to FIG. 1A, the vaporization element 2000, in the form of a first vaporization element 2001, is shown in perspective view and is formed from an elongated hollow member 105 that is made from a low thermal conductivity material, such as ceramic, and having a first end 105 a and a second end 105 b opposite the first end 105 a, a fluid pathway 103 (as seen in FIG. 1B) propagates through the elongated hollow member 105 from the first end 105 a to the second end 105 b thereof. The second end 105 b is for coupling with the waterpipe input port 421 b, as shown in FIG. 2A.
The vaporization element 2000 has an annular heating element 106 having a first side 106 a and a second side 106 b (FIG. 1D) opposite the first side 106 a, the annular heating element 106 is thermally coupled with the elongated hollow member 105 proximate the first end 105 a having the first side 106 a facing the first end 105 a with the fluid pathway 103 propagating through a center thereof (as seen in FIG. 1B), the annular heating element 106 comprises a first electrical contact 107 and a second electrical contact 108 proximate the second side 106 b. The annular heating element 106 secured to the elongated hollow member 105 for allowing thermal expansion thereof along a radial axis perpendicular to the fluid pathway 103. Without properly securing the annular heating element 106 to the elongated hollow member 105 it is easy to crack the annular heating element 106 due to expansion forces of the elongated hollow member 105 and as such a unitary construction of the annular heating element 106 is preferable.
Referring to FIG. 1D, the annular heating element 106 comprising a resistive heater 155 disposed between the first and second electrical contacts, 107 and 108, and proximate the second side 106 b. The annular heating element 106 comprises ceramic material where the resistive heater 155 comprises a metallic planar heater 168 disposed on the second side 106 b between the first and second electrical contacts 107 108 for receiving of electrical energy from the electrical power source 156, wherein the thermal coupling between the annular heating element and the elongated hollow member 105 comprises silica material. Silica is also known in the art as ceramic glaze, so the coupling between the annular heating element 106 and the elongated hollow member 105 is by means of a ceramic glaze.
The electrical power source 156 is electrically coupled with the first and second electrical contacts 107 108 for providing of electrical power to the resistive heater 155 for heating of the resistive heater 155 for imparting thermal energy to the annular heating element 106.
As is evident from FIG. 1D, the vaporization element 2000 comprises a temperature sensor 170 thermally coupled with at least one of the elongated hollow member 105 and the annular heating element 106 proximate the second side 106 b of the annular heating element 106, the temperature sensor 170 has a temperature signal output port 170 a for providing a temperature signal in dependence upon the imparting of thermal energy to the annular heating element 106. Typically, the temperature signal is based on a resistance of the temperature sensor 170 and the resistance varies inversely with respect to the temperature being sensed by the temperature sensor 170.
Referring to FIG. 2A, the DVCPM 100 in accordance with the first embodiment of the invention is shown attached to a waterpipe 421 having an inhalation aperture 421 a and an input port 421 b. The vaporization element 2000, for example the first vaporization element 2001, but it is not limited to the first vaporization element 2001, the second vaporization element 2002 or the third vaporization element 2003 or the fourth vaporization element 2004, any of the vaporization elements 2000 are useable with the DVCPM 100.
In this embodiment the vaporization element 2000 is disposed within the first housing 101 and the first housing 101 frictionally engages the elongated hollow member 105 where the second end 105 b of the elongated hollow member 105 couples with the waterpipe input port 421 b. An electrical power source 156 (disposed within the first housing 101 and not visible from an outside thereof, but visible in FIG. 2C as the first and second batteries 111, 112) is provided and coupled with a first control circuit 113 electrically coupled with the electrical power source 156 (FIG. 2C) and the first and second electrical contacts 107 108 and the temperature signal output port 170 a. The first control circuit 113 for processing of the temperature signal and for controllably providing of the electrical power to the resistive heater 155 for reaching the predetermined temperature of the annular heating element 106 second side 106 b or heating element assembly.
During heating of the resistive heater 155, a portion of the thermal energy is transferred to the annular heating element 106 first side 106 a and another portion, other than the first portion, is transferred to the elongated hollow member 105 proximate the first end 105 a, upon the annular heating element 106 second side 106 b reaching a predetermined temperature the concentrated phyto material extract 419 is applied to the annular heating element 106 first side 106 a (FIG. 1C) and becomes vaporized and upon inhalation from the inhalation aperture 421 a this vapor 422 is mixed with ambient air 555 (FIG. 2A) and flows through the fluid pathway 103 from the first end 105 a where it receives thermal energy proximate the coupling between the annular heating element 106 and the elongated hollow member 105 and loses thermal energy to the elongated hollow member 105 proximate the second end 105 b as it propagates through the input port 421 b of the waterpipe 421 and through to the inhalation aperture 421 a.
Referring to FIGS. 1E and 1F, the vaporization element 2000, in the form of the second vaporization element 2002, is shown in perspective view and cutaway view, respectively, and is formed from an elongated hollow member 105 that is made from a low thermal conductivity material, such as glass or quartz, and having a first end 105 a and a second end 105 b opposite the first end 105 a, a fluid pathway 103 (as seen in FIG. 1F) propagates through the elongated hollow member 105 from the first end 105 a to the second end 105 b thereof. The second end 105 b is for coupling with the waterpipe input port 421 b, as shown in FIGS. 2A and 3A.
The vaporization element 2000 has an annular heating element 106 having a first side 106 a and a second side 106 b opposite the first side 106 a, the annular heating element 106 is thermally coupled with the elongated hollow member 105 proximate the first end 105 a having the first side 106 a facing the first end 105 a with the fluid pathway 103 propagating through a center thereof (as seen in FIG. 1F), the annular heating element 106 comprising a first electrical contact 107 and a second electrical contact 108 proximate the second side 106 b, the annular heating element 106 secured to the elongated hollow member 105 for allowing thermal expansion thereof along a radial axis perpendicular to the fluid pathway 103.
Referring to FIG. 1E, a cutaway view of the vaporization element 2000, in the form of the second vaporization element 2002, is shown. The annular heating element 106 comprising a resistive heater 155 disposed between the first and second electrical contacts, 107 and 108, and proximate the second side 106 b. The resistive heater 155 comprises a resistance wire 169 disposed proximate the second side 106 b between the first and second electrical contacts 107 108 for receiving of electrical energy from the electrical power source 156, wherein the thermal coupling between the annular heating element and the elongated hollow member 105 comprises glass or quartz.
The electrical power source 156 is electrically coupled with the first and second electrical contacts 107, 108 for providing of electrical power to the resistive heater 155 for heating of the resistive heater 155 for imparting thermal energy to the annular heating element 106.
Referring to FIG. 2A for example, when the second vaporization element 2002 is utilized and during heating of the resistive heater 155, a portion of the thermal energy is transferred to the annular heating element 106 first side 106 a and another portion, other than the first portion, is transferred to the elongated hollow member 105 proximate the first end 105 a, upon the annular heating element 106 second side 106 b reaching the predetermined temperature the concentrated phyto material extract 419 is applied to the annular heating element 106 first side 106 a (FIG. 1E) and becomes vaporized and upon inhalation from the inhalation aperture 421 a this vapor 422 is mixed with ambient air 555 and flows through the fluid pathway 103 from the first end 105 a where it receives thermal energy proximate the coupling between the annular heating element 106 and the elongated hollow member 105 and loses thermal energy to the elongated hollow member 105 proximate the second end 105 b as it propagates through the input port 421 b of the waterpipe 421 and through to the inhalation aperture 421 a.
Referring to FIG. 1F, the vaporization element 2000 comprises a temperature sensor 170 thermally coupled with at least one of the elongated hollow member 105 and the annular heating element 106 proximate the second side 106 b of the annular heating element 106, the temperature sensor 170 has a temperature signal output port 170 a for providing a temperature signal in dependence upon the imparting of thermal energy to the annular heating element 106. In some embodiments using a glass or quartz vaporization element 2000 is preferable because a user can see the resistance wire 169 heating up and it provides a glow as the predetermined temperature is reached.
Referring to FIGS. 1G and 1H, the vaporization element 2000 is shown in the form of the third vaporization element 2003. The vaporization element 2000 in the form of the third vaporization element 2003 is formed from an elongated hollow member 105 that is made from a low thermal conductivity material, such as ceramic, but can also be made from glass or quartz, and having a first end 105 a and a second end 105 b opposite the first end 105 a, the fluid pathway 103 (as seen in FIG. 1G) propagates through the elongated hollow member 105 from the first end 105 a to the second end 105 b thereof. The second end 105 b is for coupling with the waterpipe input port 421 b, as shown in FIGS. 2A and 3A.
The vaporization element 2000 has an annular heating element 106 that is a partial annular heating element 106 c that does not comprise a full three hundred and sixty degrees arc about the fluid pathway 103 when thermally coupled about the elongated hollow member 105 and has a portion thereof removed, wherein it comprise about a ninety degrees arc about the fluid pathway when disposed about the elongated hollow member 105.
The partial annular heating element 106 c is radially disposed with respect to the elongated hollow member 105. As shown in FIG. 1G, the elongated hollow member 105 comprises a first aperture 105 aa proximate the first end thereof 105 a and a second aperture 105 bb proximate the second end thereof 105 b and the fluid pathway 103 formed between the first and second apertures, 105 aa and 105 bb, wherein the first and second apertures are axially disposed and comprises the resistive heater 155. Preferably the partial annular heating element 106 c is disposed proximate the first end 105 a of the elongated hollow member 105.
The partial annular heating element 106 c has a first side 106 a and a second side 106 b opposite the first side 106 a, partial annular heating element 106 c is thermally coupled with the elongated hollow member 105 proximate the first end 105 a having the first side 106 a facing the first end 105 a with the fluid pathway 103 propagating through a center thereof (as seen in FIG. 1G), the partial annular heating element 106 c comprising a first electrical contact 107 and a second electrical contact 108 proximate the second side 106 b, the partial annular heating element 106 c secured to the elongated hollow member 105 for allowing thermal expansion thereof along a radial axis that is perpendicular to the fluid pathway 103.
Referring to FIG. 1H, the partial annular heating element 106 c comprising a resistive heater 155 disposed between the first and second electrical contacts, 107 and 108, and proximate the second side 106 b. The partial annular heating element 106 c comprises ceramic material where the resistive heater 155 comprises a metallic planar heater 168 disposed on the second side 106 b between the first and second electrical contacts 107 108 for receiving of electrical energy from the electrical power source 156, wherein the thermal coupling between the partial annular heating element 106 c and the elongated hollow member 105 comprises silica material.
The electrical power source 156 is electrically coupled with the first and second electrical contacts 107 108 for providing of electrical power to the resistive heater 155 for heating of the resistive heater 155 for imparting thermal energy to the partial annular heating element 106 c.
Referring to FIG. 2A, when the vaporization element 2000 in the form of the third vaporization element 2003 is coupled with the waterpipe 421, during heating of the resistive heater 155, a portion of the thermal energy is transferred to the partial annular heating element 106 c first side 106 a and another portion, other than the first portion, is transferred to the elongated hollow member 105 proximate the first end 105 a, upon the partial annular heating element 106 c second side 106 b reaching the predetermined temperature the concentrated phyto material extract 419 is applied to the partial annular heating element 106 c first side 106 a (FIG. 1G) and becomes vaporized and upon inhalation from the inhalation aperture 421 a this vapor 422 is mixed with ambient air 555 and flows through the fluid pathway 103 from the first end 105 a where it receives thermal energy proximate the coupling between the partial annular heating element 106 c and the elongated hollow member 105 and loses thermal energy to the elongated hollow member 105 proximate the second end 105 b as it propagates through the input port 421 b of the waterpipe 421 and through to the inhalation aperture 421 a.
Referring to FIG. 1H, the vaporization element 2000 comprises a temperature sensor 170 thermally coupled with at least one of the elongated hollow member 105 and the partial annular heating element 106 c proximate the second side 106 b of the partial annular heating element 106 c, the temperature sensor 170 has a temperature signal output port 170 a for providing a temperature signal in dependence upon the imparting of thermal energy to the partial annular heating element 106 c.
FIG. 1I illustrates a variation of the third vaporization element 2003 having the partial annular heating element 2003 in the form of a fourth vaporization element 2004, whereby the resistive heater 155 (not visible in this FIG. 1I) is disposed between the first and second electrical contacts, 107 and 108, is at a distance, for example 20 mm, from an axial center of the first end 105 a of the elongated hollow member 105. Whereby in comparison, for the third vaporization element 2003 the resistive heater 155 is approximately 6 mm away from the axial center of the first end 105 a of the elongated hollow member 105.
Furthermore, the fluid pathway 103 is curved between the first end 105 a and the second end 105 b. Such a variation may be preferable so that thermal transfer from the fourth vaporization element 2004 to the elongated hollow member 105 (e.g. a hollow ceramic member) is reduced as well the fourth vaporization element 2004 provides for a lower thermal inertia than the first vaporization element 2001.
The elongated hollow member 105 comprises a first aperture 105 aa proximate the first end thereof 105 a and a second aperture 105 bb proximate the second end thereof 105 b and the fluid pathway 103 formed between the first and second apertures, wherein the first and second apertures 105 aa and 105 bb are other than axially disposed and preferably central axes of the first and second apertures 105 aa and 105 bb are perpendicular to each other.
In this fourth vaporization element 2004 the resistive heater 155 is radially disposed away from the elongated hollow member 105, which therefore results in a bend in the fluid pathway 103. Using the fourth vaporization element 2004 is sometimes preferable as it allows for an elongated path length for the fluid pathway 103 and as such improved cooling for the vapor 422 as it propagates through the fluid pathway 103. If the fourth vaporization element 2004 uses quartz material then the resistive heater 155 is envisaged comprising a pancake ceramic heater or a resistance wire 169. If the fourth vaporization element 2004 uses a ceramic material then the resistive heater 155 is envisaged comprising a metallic planar heater 168 that is sintered onto the ceramic.
Referring to FIG. 2A and in conjunction with FIGS. 2A, 2B and 2D a first infrared transmitter 115 is envisaged for protruding past the first housing 101 proximate the first end 105 a of the vaporization element 2000. FIG. 2B illustrates a top view and FIG. 2C illustrates an internal front view and FIG. 2D illustrates a closed side view.
A first infrared receiver 116 is provided for protruding past the first housing 101 proximate the first end 105 a of the vaporization element 2000, the first infrared transmitter 115 and the first infrared receiver 116 are electrically coupled with the first control circuit 113, the first infrared transmitter 115 for sending out a first infrared signal 119 for being reflected from an infrared signal reflective member 120 for being received by the first infrared receiver 116 for enabling the heating of the annular heating element 106 (e.g. an annular ceramic heating element) and for other than being received by the first infrared receiver 116 when the infrared signal reflective member 120 is other than present, upon heating of the annular heating element 106, the concentrated phyto material extract 419 is heated to the predetermined temperature and becomes vaporized and this vapor 422 and is mixed with ambient air 555 and flows through the fluid pathway 103, as illustrated in FIG. 2A.
Preferably the infrared signal reflective member 120 is in the form of a hand, whereby when the hand of a user is waived over the top of the DVCPM 100, this activates the first control circuit 113 for heating of the vaporization element 2000. Referring to FIG. 2C, a first battery 111 and a second battery 112 are shown as part of the electrical power source 156. Any of the vaporization elements 2000 in the form of the first through fourth, 2001 through 2004, are envisaged to work with the first infrared transmitter 115 and the first infrared receiver 116.
Having a device for vaporization of concentrated phyto material extracts in accordance with the first and second embodiments of the invention 100 and 1000, respectively, allows for a reduction in potential harm from combustion of the phyto material extracts 419 or material for vaporization. Furthermore, it allows for a portable device that overcomes the deficiencies in the prior art. Having the vaporization element 2000 manufactured from ceramic or glass or quartz allows for easy cleaning. Also, because this vaporization element 2000 is manufactured from a low thermal conductivity material allows for the second end 105 b thereof to be substantially cooler than the first end 105 a, thus allowing the elongated hollow member 105 to provide additional cooling to the vapors 421 and ambient air 555 when propagating therethrough. Ceramic and glass materials are also easy to clean and do not typically stain when used for vaporization of phyto material extracts 419. The LED 1500 advantageously provides for an indication to the end user of the approximate temperature of the vaporization element 2000. Preferably the electrical power source 156 is from internal battery power, however a wall adapter is also envisaged.
Referring to FIG. 3A, heating chamber assembly 1000 is shown in detail from a cutaway cross section view. The heating chamber assembly 1000 is formed from a heating chamber housing 1001, which may be a tubular housing having a proximal end 1001 p and a distal end 1001 d, an access opening 1001 a at the proximal end 1001 p, a vapor outlet 1001 v at the distal end 1001 d and a releasably engageable power and fluid pathway 1006 disposed proximate the distal end 1001 d of the heating chamber assembly 1000.
A heating chamber 1002 is defined by a proximal opening 1002 p facing the access opening 1001 a and a distal floor 1002 f having a vapor conduit or fluid pathway 1002 v, or fluid pathway 103 formed therein and a heating chamber inner sidewall 1002 y extending from the proximal opening 1002 p to the heating chamber distal floor 1002 f. The heating chamber 1002 may be disposed within the heating chamber assembly 1000 between the proximal end 1001 p and the distal end 1001 d. For further detail referring to FIG. 3B and FIG. 3C and in conjunction with FIG. 3A, a heating element assembly 1003 is shown. FIG. 3B shows a cutaway view and FIG. 3C a bottom view of the heating element assembly 1003.
The heating element assembly 1003 may be disposed within the heating chamber 1002 and having a proximal wicking end 1003 p and a distal end 1003 d, with an cavity inner sidewall 1003 i extending from the distal end 1003 d towards the proximal end 1003 p terminating at a cavity ceiling 1003 c and spaced apart from the proximal wicking end 1003 p with a ceiling thickness 1003 t. The ceiling thickness 1003 t may be about 1 mm to 0.8 mm to 1.1 mm to about 1.2 mm. The cavity inner sidewall 1003 i and the cavity ceiling 1003 c and a cavity outer sidewall 1003 s extending from the proximal wicking end 1003 p to the distal end 1003 d and the proximal wicking end 1003 p for forming an inverted cavity 1003 x.
The heating element assembly 1003 may include a heating element wire 1006, such as annular heating element 106, disposed between the inner 1003 i and outer sidewall 1003 s with the inverted cavity 1003 x forming an opening toward the distal end 1003 d and the proximal wicking end 1003 p (FIG. 1E the first side 106 a) accessible via the access opening 1001 a. The heating element wire 1006 or the resistive heater 155 may be a cylindrical resistive heating coil, such as heating coil may be at least partially enclosed within the heating element assembly, such as the second vaporization element 2002 shown in FIG. 1E and may be vertically oriented and having a substantially annular cross section.
A hollow tubular member 1002 w may be defined by an outer sidewall 1002 s and an inner sidewall 1002 i, the hollow tubular member 1002 w extending from the distal floor of heating chamber 1002 and surrounding the vapor conduit or fluid pathway 1002 v. The hollow tubular member 1002 w or at least a portion thereof, for being inserted within the inverted cavity 1003 x when the heating element assembly 1003 is coupled with the heating chamber 1002, where an embodiment of the hollow tubular member 1002 w may be shown in FIG. 1E as the elongated hollow member 105.
A hollow tubular member 1002 w may be for supporting the cavity ceiling 1003 c and comprising at least a vapor aperture 1002 a, FIG. 1E 105 a, disposed therein proximate cavity ceiling 1003 c of the inverted atomizer cup, the at least a vapor aperture 1002 a in fluid communication with the fluid pathway 1002 v with the inner sidewall 1002 i facing the fluid pathway 1002 v and the outer sidewall 1002 s facing the cavity inner sidewall 1003 i and the outer sidewall 1002 s facing the cavity inner sidewall 1003 i. The hollow tubular member 1002 w spacing the distal end 1003 d of the heating element assembly 1003 away from the distal floor 1002 f of the heating chamber 1002 and forming a fluid gap 1007 g therein, which may have a height of about 1 mm when measured axially. The heating element assembly 1003 disposed distally from the proximal opening 1002 p and with the cavity outer sidewall 1003 s facing the heating chamber inner sidewall 1002 y.
FIG. 3D illustrates the heating chamber 1002 in additional detail and in conjunction with FIG. 3A a vapor path 1005 v is shown in the form of a distally directed circuitous air and vapor path for distally extending from the access opening 1001 a in a distal direction past the inverted cup heating assembly 1003 outer sidewall 1003 s towards the distal floor 1002 f and being deflected proximally by the distal floor 1002 f for propagating proximally along the cavity inner sidewall 1003 i and along the fluid pathway and being deflected by the cavity ceiling 1003 c for propagating through the fluid pathway in fluid communication with the a vapor outlet 1001 v at the distal end 1001 d of the heating chamber housing 1001.
In some embodiments heating element assembly 1003 may be manufactured from a porous ceramic structure for receiving a material for vaporization or phyto material extract 420 and for substantially containing the heating element wire 1006 embedded therein and for when the heating element wire is energized upon receiving of electrical energy from a power source for wicking the phyto materiel extract 420 from the proximal wicking end 1003 p towards the heating element wire 1006 and heating of phyto materiel extract 420 to a predetermined temperature (i.e. 500 to 700 degrees Fahrenheit) through a heating profile and for creating a phyto materiel extract vapor 420 v therefrom for being emitted into the fluid pathway 1002 v. The concentrated phyto material extract 419 may be applied to the annular heating element 106 first side 106 a (FIG. 1E) from the proximal wicking end 1003 p.
Referring to FIG. 3E a second embodiment of the heating chamber assembly 2000 is shown which utilises many of the same structural components as that of the first embodiment of the heating chamber assembly 2000. More specifically a differentiating factor may be a vapor path 2005 v in the form of a proximally directed circuitous air and vapor path for proximally extending from the vapor outlet 1001 v at the distal end 1001 d of the heating chamber housing 1001 towards the fluid pathway for propagating along the fluid pathway in fluid communication therewith and being deflected by the cavity ceiling 1003 c for propagating distally along the cavity inner sidewall 1003 i and being deflected proximally by the distal floor 1002 f for propagating past the inverted cup heating assembly 1003 outer sidewall 1003 s towards the an access opening 1001 a.
In certain examples, the phyto materiel extract 420 may have a viscosity about 15,000 Centipoise. In other embodiments, the vaporizable material may exhibit a viscosity between about 1000 and 5000 Centipoise. For example, a porous ceramic material used with heating element assembly 1003 may have a 40-50% open porosity and with a tortuous pore structure and use pore sizes ranging from 1 to 100 microns, where more specifically it may have pore sizes of 10, 15, 30, 50, 60 and 100 microns. In some embodiments a higher porosity heating element assembly may be used with a higher viscosity material for vaporization and a lower open porosity with lower viscosity phyto materiel extract 420.
Referring to FIG. 3D, as the heating element assembly 1003 may be heated by the heating wire 1006, a viscosity of the phyto materiel extract 420 that is applied to the wicking end 1003 p may decrease and it may facilitate wicking of the phyto materiel extract 420 into the heating element assembly 1003 manufactured form the porous ceramic. The phyto materiel extract 420 may flow from the wicking end 1003 p towards the heating chamber distal floor 1002 f due to gravity and over a certain period of time depending upon the viscosity of the phyto materiel extract 420 and this may be along a first flow path 420 a as shown in FIG. 3D.
The heating wire 1006 may transfer thermal energy to an entirety of the heating element assembly 1003 whereby at the wicking end 1003 p a measured temperature T1 may be less than a measured temperature T2 at the cavity inner sidewall 1003 i. The phyto materiel extract 420 may flow towards the heating chamber distal floor 1002 f after the heating element wire 1006 being energized upon receiving of electrical energy from a control circuit 1107 (FIG. 2A) and the phyto materiel extract 420 may pool proximate the heating chamber distal floor 1002 f as pooled phyto materiel extract 420 p. This pooled phyto materiel extract 420 p may travel through a second flow path 420 b, or percolate through the porous heating element assembly substantially through the porous structure of the heating element assembly 1003. The pooled phyto materiel extract 420 p may be contained within the heating chamber by the outer sidewall 1002 s and the heating chamber distal floor 1002 f and the heating chamber inner sidewall 1002 y.
A height of the hollow tubular member 1002 w outer sidewall 1002 s and the at least a vapor aperture 1002 a, as measured between the heating chamber distal floor 1002 f towards the proximal opening 1002 p to the at least a vapor aperture, may define a volume of pooled phyto materiel extract 420 p that may be contained within the heating chamber 1002 as a contained volume of pooled phyto materiel extract 420 p. The pooled phyto materiel extract 420 p bathes the heating element assembly 1003 distal end 1003 d for facilitating wicking of the pooled phyto materiel extract 420 between the inner and outer sidewalls of the heating element assembly 1003 as well as to bathe at least a portion of the heating element wire 1006. The heating element assembly 1003 distal end 1003 d may resemble an annular shape proximate the heating chamber distal floor 1002 f.
From the access opening 1001 a, the vapor path 1005 v may propagate towards the distal floor 1002 f may flow through the pooled phyto materiel extract 420 p and to bubble and spray pooled phyto materiel extract 420 p onto cavity inner sidewall 1003 s for being vaporized by the heating element wire 1006 as well as may percolate into the porous ceramic heating element assembly 1003.
A vaporization surface or heating surface for the phyto materiel extract 420 may be formed along the cavity inner sidewall 1003 i between the cavity ceiling 1003 c and cavity distal end 1003 d and extends axially from the distal to proximal ends and may be spaced radially from the fluid pathway 1002 v. The proximal wicking end 1003 p may not be the vaporization surface as the temperature of this surface T1 is less than the predetermined temperature for the vaporization of the phyto materiel extract 420. The measured temperature T2 at the cavity inner sidewall 1003 i may be higher than T1, where T1 may facilitate percolating of the phyto materiel extract 420 through the porous ceramic heating element assembly and T2 serves to create phyto materiel extract 420 v from the phyto materiel extract 420 or the pooled PME 420 p. Having the heating surface for the phyto materiel extract 420 may be formed along the cavity inner sidewall 1003 i increases a surface area of the heating surface than if the heating surface were planar as is discussed in some of the prior art.
In some embodiments a diameter of the fluid pathway 1002 v may be about 2.5 mm and a diameter of the cavity inner sidewall 1003 i may be about 5 mm and a diameter of the cavity outer sidewall 1003 s may be about 8 mm and a diameter of the heating chamber inner sidewall 1002 y may be about 10 mm. An axial height of the heating element assembly 1003 when measured between the distal end 1003 d to the proximal wicking end 1003 p may be about 6.5 mm. In using such dimensions for the heating element assembly as aforementioned, an area of the heating surface for the phyto materiel extract 420 formed along the cavity inner sidewall 1003 i is about 86 mm{circumflex over ( )}2 and if this were in the form of a planar heating surface if may be about 50 mm{circumflex over ( )}2. The cavity inner sidewall 1003 i facilitates vapor production as compared with the planar heating surface.
In some embodiments, the heater wire is a wire coil that is other than close wound and with a resistance of about 0.8 Ohms to 1.8 Ohms and may contain an iron-chromium-aluminum (FeCrAl) composition or a stainless steel composition or resistive wire material and having an inner diameter that is greater than the cavity inner sidewall 1003 i may have an outer diameter that is smaller than the diameter of the cavity outer sidewall 1003 s. Of course other resistive heating wires may be used as are known to those of skill in the art. Wires coupling to the heating element assembly may extend from the distal end 1003 d towards the heating chamber floor and spaced radially and axially extending from the heating element assembly.
FIG. 4E and FIG. 4F illustrates a portion of a vaporizer assembly 1188 in accordance with an embodiment of the invention for being coupled with a downstem or an input port 421 b of a water pipe 421 or lumen. In the case of FIG. 4E the water pipe has a male end input port 421 b with a male end 421 mm having a proximately tapered tip with a lumen formed therein and may be known as a male water pipe 421 m. In the case of FIG. 4F the water pipe has a female end input port 421 b and a lumen formed therein and may be known as a female water pipe 421 f and having a inwardly tapered cavity 421 ff tapering distally. A water pipe 421 having the input port 421 b and an inhalation aperture 421 a with a water pipe fluid pathway 421 p formed therebetween where water may be disposed within the water pipe 421 for having the water pipe fluid pathway 421 p propagate therethrough for cooling and filtration of vapor.
Referring to FIG. 4A and FIG. 4B the vaporizer assembly 1188 is shown in greater detail. The vaporizer assembly 1188 may be comprise of the heating chamber assembly 1000 comprising a heating chamber housing 1001 having a proximal end 1001 p and a distal end 1001 d, an access opening 1001 a at the proximal end 1001 p, a vapor outlet 1001 v at the distal end 1001 d and a releasably engageable power and fluid pathway 1006 disposed proximate the distal end 1001 d of the heating chamber assembly 1000 and a heating chamber 1002 defined by a proximal opening 1002 p facing the access opening 1001 a and a distal floor 1002 f having a fluid pathway 1002 v formed therein and a heating element assembly 1003 disposed within the heating chamber assembly 1000 between the proximal end 1001 p and the distal end 1001 d and a releasably engageable power and fluid pathway 1006 disposed proximate the distal end 1001 d of the heating chamber assembly 1000. A coupling module 1100 may be provided comprising a coupling module proximal end 1100 p and a coupling module distal end 1100 d opposite the coupling module proximal end 110 p. The coupling module proximal end may include a releasably engageable power and fluid pathway receiver 1101 may be provided for releasably engaging with the releasably engageable power and fluid pathway 1006 and electrically coupled with the heating element assembly 1003 and a control module 1105.
The control module may include a proximal end 1105 p, a distal end 1105 d, and sidewalls 1105 s extending from the proximal end 1105 p to the distal end 1105 p and a battery 1106 coupled with a control circuit 1107 enclosed between the proximal 1105 p and distal ends 1105 d of the control module 1105, the control module 1105 having a long axis 1105L parallel with the sidewalls and a short axis 1105 r perpendicular with the sidewalls 1105 s. FIG. 4C illustrates an exploded view of the control module 1105 showing sidewalls 1105 s separated from body housing 1105 h and a battery 1106 being exposed where a longitudinal axis of the battery 1106 may be parallel with the long axis 1105L of the control module 1105. In this embodiment shown the battery 1106 may be a cylindrical battery, such as a battery that may include lithium material. A control module receiver 1100 r may be disposed between the coupling module proximal end 1105 p and a coupling module distal end 1105 d. The coupling module 1100 may facilitate the control module 1105 to be radially spaced from the heating chamber assembly 1000 and axially distally oriented from the heating chamber assembly 1000 for reducing a thermal energy transfer from the heating chamber assembly 1000 to the control module 1105, in such an embodiment a bracket may be envisaged as is illustrated in FIGS. 4A and 4B.
Referring to FIGS. 4E and 44G, a water pipe adapter 1108 may be provided having a water pipe adapter proximal end 1108 p for attaching with the coupling module distal end 1105 d and having a water pipe adapter distal end 1108 d for frictionally engaging the water pipe 421 having a downstem from one of an outside surface for the male water pipe 421 m and an inside surface of the downstem for the female water pipe 421 f. In some embodiments the coupling module 1100 may include a tapered cavity 1108 c extending towards the distal end thereof whereby upon uncoupling of the water pipe adapter 1108 from the coupling module 1100 the male water pipe 421 m may have a its tapered tip 421 mm be frictionally engaged by the tapered cavity 1108 c of the coupling module 1100 (FIG. 4E).
FIG. 4F and FIG. 4H illustrates the water pipe having a female end input port 421 b and a lumen formed therein and may be known as a female water pipe 421 f. In some embodiments the coupling module 1100 may include a tapered cavity 1108 c extending towards the distal end thereof whereby upon coupling of the water pipe adapter 1108 from the coupling module 1100 the female water pipe 421 f may have its inwardly tapered cavity 421 ff tapering distally engage with the water pipe adapter 1108. In some embodiments a water pipe adapter support member 1108 s may be used for frictionally engaging of the water pipe adapter 1108 within the tapered cavity 1108 c. The water pipe adapter 1108 may create a bridge where a tapered tip of the water pipe adapter 1108 may be frictionally engaged by the tapered cavity 1108 c of the coupling module 1100 (FIG. 4F) and the inwardly tapered cavity 421 ff tapering distally. The releasable male water pipe adapter may be releasably coupled with the coupling module for releasably frictionally engaging an inner surface of the lumen of the downstem where the vaporizer assembly is supported by the inner surface of the lumen.
Having the water pipe adapter 1108 may facilitate using various styles of water pipes (whether male or female or 14 mm or 10 mm diameters as are known in the art) and to have these various water pipes work with the coupling module 1100. For either water pipe, the water pipe 421 having the input port 421 b and the inhalation aperture 421 a and having a water pipe fluid pathway 421 p formed therebetween where water may be disposed within the water pipe 421 for having the water pipe fluid pathway 421 p propagate therethrough for cooling and filtration of vapor. A vapor path 1188 v may be formed and extending through the releasably engageable power and fluid pathway receiver 1101 through the water pipe adapter 1108 for fluidly coupling of the fluid pathway 1002 v with the downstem lumen or water pipe input port 421 b for the vapor path to further be coupled with water pipe fluid pathway 421 p.
A control module connector 1105 c may be electrically coupled with the control circuit 1107 and the control module connector 1105 c formed on a sidewall 1105 s of the control module 1105, the control module connector 1105 c for releasably engaging of the control module receiver 1100 r for controllably providing of electrical power from the control circuit 1107 to the heating element assembly 1003, wherein when the control module 1105 is releasably coupled with the coupling module 1100 the control module long axis 1105L is other than transverse with the vapor path 1188 v. Wherein the short axis of the control module may be transverse with the vapor path.
As shown in FIG. 4B, the control module 1105 may be oriented such that a length along its long axis 1105L is longer than along its short axis 1105 s, this may facilitate a closer center of gravity of the vaporizer assembly 1188 when being supported by the water pipe input port 421 b. At least one of the control module connector and control module receiver may include a magnet 1100 m for selectively releasably engaging of the control module receiver and the control module connector.
Referring to FIGS. 4A and 4B the control module 1105 may comprises a user interface 1105 u electrically coupled with the control circuit 1107 for determining of the controllably providing of electrical power from the control circuit 1107 to the heating element assembly 1003.
Referring to FIG. 4D, another version of the control module 1115 as a flat control module is shown where in case the battery 1106 b may be a rectangular battery, such as a battery that comprises lithium polymer material. In either case the battery may have a capacity of about 400 mAh to 1000 mAh or 900 mAh. The control module 1115 may include a user interface 1115 u and may include a display screen 1115 d, which may be coupled with the control circuit 1107.
The releasably engageable power and fluid pathway receiver 1101 may comprise a ground and a signal electrical connection for being coupled with the heating chamber assembly 1000 and with the control module 1105 when the control module receiver 1100 r and the control module connector 1105 c are engaged.
The releasably engageable power and fluid pathway receiver may comprise a ground and a signal electrical connection for being coupled with the control module when the control module receiver and the control module connector are engaged and where the control circuit is for providing pulse width modulation heating profile to the heating element assembly 1003.
In some embodiments the releasably engageable power and fluid pathway receiver comprises a ground and a signal and a type electrical connection for being coupled with the control module when the control module receiver and the control module connector are engaged and where the control circuit is for providing pulse width modulation heating profile to the heating element assembly in dependence upon the type electrical connection related to a type of the heating chamber assembly 1000.
The heating element assembly may be for releasably engaging of the releasably engageable power and fluid pathway 1006 is for receiving of electrical power from the external power source 1105 for providing of the electrical power to the heating element assembly 1003 axially extending power contacts 1003 z connecting with the heating element wire 1003 w (FIG. 1B). The axially extending power contacts 1003 z are not shown in FIGS. 3A, 3E and 3A for clarity, however they are shown in FIGS. 3B, 3C and 3D.
In use, the heating element assembly 1003 that may comprises the porous ceramic structure may be for receiving a material for vaporization, or phyto materiel extract 420, and for substantially containing the heating element wire 1003 w embedded therein and for when the heating element wire is energized upon receiving of electrical energy from the external power source 1005 for wicking the phyto materiel extract 420 from the proximal wicking end towards the heating element wire 1003 x and heating of the material for vaporization to the predetermined temperature (for example around 500 Fahrenheit to 700 Fahrenheit) for creating a vapor therefrom for being emitted into the vapor path from the cavity inner sidewall and for wicking (percolating) the material for vaporization from the proximal flat end into the porous ceramic structure and for the vapor path to pass through the releasably engageable power and fluid pathway 1006.
The releasably engageable power and fluid pathway receiver 1101 may include a threaded connection and the releasably engageable power and fluid pathway 1006 may also include a threaded connection. Magnetic and frictional connections are also envisaged for releasably coupling between these components. Advantageously, the heating element assembly 1003 having the inverted cavity structures as well as being formed from the porous ceramic may be used in a unconventional manner. Typically, as shown in the second embodiment of the invention, the inverted cup would be to contain the phyto materiel extract within the cavity 1003 x. In this case the phyto materiel extract 420 is applied to the sidewall of the heater assembly.
For example, the heating element assembly 1003 may be manufactured using a porous ceramic and the porous ceramic acts as the wicking element. The heating element assembly 1003 may be manufactured using a porous ceramic substrate inlaid with the heating wire 1003 w or heating coil where the heating wire 1003 w may be at least partially embedded within the ceramic substrate. The heating element assembly 1003 may be manufactured from a unitary construction.
In manufacturing the resistive heating wire 1003 w together with the heating element assembly 1003 may be manufactured using a process of hardening molding in-cavity. The resistive heating wire is first prepared (for example coiled). The resistive heating wire 1003 w may be uniformly manufactured for providing of rapid and uniform heating throughout its length. The resistive heating wire may include materials such as nickel-chromium alloy, iron-chromium-aluminum alloy, stainless steel, pure nickel, titanium or nickel-iron material. The resistive heating wire have a diameter of about 0.1 mm to 0.6 mm.
In preparation of heating element assembly made of the porous ceramic, a ceramic slurry may be prepared with paraffin wax and a ceramic powder. A weight ratio of paraffin is about 30%-50% and a weight of the ceramic powder is 70%-50%. For manufacturing of the ceramic slurry, the paraffin wax is first made into a molten state molten state and then stirred with the ceramic powder for about 3 hours until the paraffin wax and the ceramic powder are completely mixed uniformly. The ceramic powder includes one or more of silica flour, clay, emery powder, silicon carbide, medical stone powder, mullite powder and cordierite powder. Furthermore, the paraffin wax and ceramic powder slurry may include includes one or more of alumina, potassium oxide, magnesium oxide, ferric oxide, silicon dioxide and calcium peroxide.
The resistive heating 1003 w, such as an annular shaped heating wire or coiled resistive wire, may be placed into the mold and then the molten and stirred ceramic slurry is poured into the mold cavity containing the resistive heating wire 1003 w. The ceramic slurry is then injected in the mold cavity that contains the resistive heating wire 1003 w and hardened. This hardened molded ceramic slurry forms a green body of the ceramic matrix that includes the resistive heating wire 1003 w that is embedded in the green body of the ceramic matrix. The resistive heating wire and green body of the ceramic matrix form a ceramic heating body blank.
For the sintering process, the ceramic heating body blank is taken out from the mold cavity and sintered in an aerobic environment with temperature of between about 200° C.-600° C., which makes the paraffin wax turn into a gas and separate from the ceramic green body at this temperature. This ceramic heating body blank is then further heated under vacuum at about 1100° C. in order to obtain a dry and structurally stable ceramic heating body as the heating element assembly 1003. For example, a porous ceramic material used with heating element assembly 1003 may have a 40-50% open porosity and with a tortuous pore structure and use pore sizes ranging from 1 to 100 microns, where more specifically it may have pore sizes of 10, 15, 30, 50, 60 and 100 microns.
The PWM profile being applied to the heating element assembly 1003 may be a PWM (pulse-width modulation) profiles applied over time to a heating element assembly 1003. The PWM profile may represent a duty cycle that is applied from the control circuit 1107 to the heating element assembly 1003. For example, for a PWM value of 100, the duty cycle is 100% and for a PWM value of 50 the duty cycle is about 50%. Each value from the PWM profile is held for about 100 ms when applied to the heating element assembly 1003. Of course it may be held for 10 ms or 150 ms, however for the purposes of this disclosure 100 ms is adequate for explanation purposes.
For creating of the PWM profile, the PWM profile consists of a plurality of PWM values stored in a PWM array, which may be stored within the control circuit 1107, wherein generating a pulse width modulation value from within the array of pulse width modulations may be performed in a calibration phase of the heating element assembly 1003.
FIG. 5A illustrates an example graph generated with the use of a thermal imaging camera being used to measure through non-contact pyrometry of the heating element or heating element assembly, for observing a temperature signal 3001 that includes the predetermined temperature 3008 of about 280 degrees Celsius. A thermal inertia of the heating element wire and the heating element assembly may affect an applied PWM profile and resulting temperature that is attained by the heating element assembly. This may include a ramp up portion 3002 of the heating element assembly to the plateau portion 3003 and may also include a transition region 3004. Referring to FIG. 3B, an applied PWM profile 3005 to the heating element assembly where this profile may consist of a power application portion 3006 and a power reduction portion 3007. The transition region being between the power application portion 3006 and the power reduction portion 3007.
The PWM profile shown in FIG. 5B may have values as follows:

- PWM[48]={100,100,100,100,100,100,100,100,100,100, 80,80,80,70,70,70,70,70,70,70, 60,60,60,60,60,60,57,55,52,50, 60,60,50,50,60,60,50,50,60,60, 60,50,60,60,60,50,60,50};

The PWM profile 3005 that may be applied represents a duty cycle that is applied from the control circuit to the heating element assembly. For example, for a PWM value of 100, the duty cycle is 100% (or 0xFF) and for a PWM value of 50 the duty cycle is about 50% (or 0x80). Each value from the PWM profile may be held for about 80 ms to 120 ms when applied to the heating element assembly and further to the resistive wire.
Factors affecting the ramp up time may be a thermal inertia and a porosity, a type of porous ceramic, and a thickness and resistance of the heating wire and heating element assembly construction. For example, for a resistive wire coil embedded into the heating element assembly, where a plurality of resistive heating wire bands may be in the form of a coiled wire embedded within the porous ceramic heating element assembly may have a resistance of about 1.2 Ohms.
The power application portion 3006 results in the observed temperature of the heating element assembly to rise to the predetermined temperature in about a second and then at the transition region the power reduction portion 3007 of the PWM profile takes place to obtain a substantially flat plateau portion 3003. During the plateau portion 3003 a goal is to maintain a measured temperature of the heating element assembly of about +/−20 degrees Celsius about the predetermined temperature or in some embodiments to a obtain measured temperature of the heating element assembly of about +/−10 degrees Celsius about the predetermined temperature.
In some embodiments a temperature estimation circuit that may be used in conjunction with the heating element assembly where a temperature of a resistive heating element such as a wire or of the heating element assembly, may be estimated by sensing a current being applied to the heating element assembly (atomizer) and for a predetermined voltage being applied to the heating element assembly. Through a temperature coefficient of resistance (TCR) of the heating element assembly, a temperature at which the heating element assembly is operating may be determinable. In other embodiments a temperature sensor may be used.
Other advantages are realized when in some prior art devices may have battery units that may hang off to the side of the downstem as a wand and create a large weight that throws off a center of gravity of the on the device which may then sit poorly and on smaller glass pieces the heavy battery as they might cause the water pipe to fall over. Having a center of gravity closer to a center of gravity of the water pipe may be more advantageous. Having various parts connect with the coupling module 1100 may facilitate changing of the heating chamber assembly easier for user to swap components if they fail in use.

Claims

What I claim is:

1. A device for vaporization of concentrated phyto material extracts, the device attachable to a waterpipe having an input port and an inhalation aperture with a waterpipe fluid pathway formed therebetween, the device comprising:

a vaporization element comprising:

an elongated hollow member comprising a heating chamber housing and a first end comprising a proximal end and a second end comprising a distal end opposite the first end and an access opening at the proximal end, a vapor outlet at the distal end;

a heating chamber assembly defined by a proximal opening facing the access opening and a distal floor having a fluid pathway formed therein and disposed towards the distal end of the heating chamber, the fluid pathway propagating through the elongated hollow member from the first end to the second end thereof, wherein the second end of the fluid pathway is engageable with the waterpipe input port;

an annular heating element having a proximal side and a distal side opposite the proximal side, the annular heating element having the proximal side facing the proximal end and the proximal opening with the fluid pathway propagating through a center of the annular heating element, the annular heating element comprising:

a first electrical contact and a second electrical contact proximate the second side, the annular heating element comprising a resistive heater disposed between the first and second electrical contacts and proximate the second side and an inverted cup heating assembly having an outer sidewall extending from the proximal end, facing the proximal opening, to the distal end and an inverted cavity having a cavity inner sidewall terminating at a cavity ceiling, a cavity opening facing the distal floor and the fluid pathway being at least partially disposed within inverted cavity with the fluid pathway being radially spaced from the inner sidewall; and

a distally directed circuitous air and vapor path for distally extending from the access opening in a distal direction past the inverted cup heating assembly outer sidewall towards the distal floor and being deflected proximally by the distal floor for propagating proximally along the cavity inner sidewall and along the fluid pathway and being deflected by the cavity ceiling for propagating through the fluid pathway in fluid communication with the a vapor outlet at the distal end of the heating chamber housing;

an electrical power source electrically coupled with the first and second electrical contacts for providing electrical power to the resistive heater to heat the resistive heater and thereby impart thermal energy to the annular heating element and to the inverted cup heating assembly,

wherein during heating of the resistive heater, concentrated phyto material extract being applied to the annular heating element proximal side and the concentrated phyto material extract is vaporized and upon inhalation from the inhalation aperture this vapor is mixed with ambient air and flows through the fluid pathway and through the waterpipe and through the waterpipe fluid pathway through to the inhalation aperture.

2. A device for vaporization of concentrated phyto material extracts according to claim 1 wherein the: heating element assembly comprises a porous ceramic structure formed from a unitary construction, the porous ceramic structure having embedded at least partially therein the annular heating element having the proximal end comprising a proximal wicking end, the proximal wicking end for receiving the concentrated phyto material extract.

3. A device for vaporization of concentrated phyto material extracts according to claim 1 comprising a releasably engageable power and fluid pathway coupling disposed proximate the distal end of the heating chamber assembly wherein the releasably engageable power and fluid pathway is for receiving of electrical power from an external power source for providing of the electrical power to the heating element wire.

4. A device for vaporization of concentrated phyto material extracts according to claim 2 wherein the annular heating element comprises the porous ceramic structure substantially containing the resistive wire embedded therein and for when the resistive wire is energized upon receiving of electrical energy from the external power source for wicking the phyto material extract from the proximal wicking end towards the heating element wire and heating of the material for vaporization to the predetermined temperature for creating a vapor therefrom for being emitted into the vapor path from the cavity inner sidewall and for wicking of the material for vaporization from the proximal end into the porous ceramic structure towards the distal end and for contacting the resistive wire.

5. A device for vaporization of concentrated phyto material extracts according to claim 2 wherein the heating element assembly comprises the proximal wicking end and a distal annular end with the cavity inner sidewall extending from the distal end towards the proximal end terminating at the cavity ceiling and spaced apart from the proximal wicking end with a ceiling thickness, the cavity inner sidewall and the cavity ceiling forming the inverted cavity and the outer sidewall extending from the proximal wicking end to the distal end, the heating element assembly comprising a heating element wire disposed between the inner and outer sidewall with the inverted cavity forming an opening toward the distal end, proximal wicking end accessible via access opening.

6. A device for vaporization of concentrated phyto material extracts according to claim 5 comprising inserting phyto material extract through the access opening and the material for vaporization flowing past the inverted cup heating assembly outer sidewall for resting at the distal floor for contacting the distal annular end and a fluid gap spacing the distal end of the heating element assembly away from the distal floor.

7. A device for vaporization of concentrated phyto material extracts according to claim 1 wherein the fluid pathway comprises a hollow tubular member defined by an outer sidewall and an inner sidewall, the hollow tubular member extending from the distal floor of heating chamber and surrounding the fluid pathway and the hollow tubular member for inserting within the inverted cavity for supporting the cavity ceiling and comprising at least a vapor aperture disposed therein proximate the ceiling of the inverted atomizer cup, the at least a vapor aperture in fluid communication with the fluid pathway with the inner sidewall facing the fluid pathway and the outer sidewall facing the cavity inner sidewall and the outer sidewall facing the cavity inner sidewall.

8. A device for vaporization of concentrated phyto material extracts according to claim 1 comprising inserting phyto material extract through the access opening and the material for vaporization flowing past the inverted cup heating assembly outer sidewall for resting at the distal floor for contacting the distal annular end and a fluid gap spacing the distal end of the heating element assembly away from the distal floor wherein the phyto material extract fills the fluid gap wherein the circuitous air and vapor path propagates through this fluid gap.

9. A device for vaporization of concentrated phyto material extracts, the device attachable to a water pipe having an input port and an inhalation aperture with a waterpipe fluid pathway formed therebetween, the device comprising:

a heating chamber housing having a proximal end and a distal end, an access opening at the proximal end, a vapor outlet at the distal end;

a releasably engageable power and fluid pathway disposed proximate the distal end of the heating chamber assembly for engaging of the water pipe input port;

a heating chamber defined by a proximal opening facing the access opening and a distal floor having a fluid pathway formed therein and disposed within the heating chamber assembly between the proximal end and the distal end;

a heating element assembly having a proximal wicking end and a distal annular end with an cavity inner sidewall extending from the distal end towards the proximal end terminating at a cavity ceiling and spaced apart from the proximal wicking end with a ceiling thickness, the cavity inner sidewall and the cavity ceiling forming an inverted cavity and an outer sidewall extending from the proximal wicking end to the distal end, the heating element assembly comprising a heating element wire disposed between the inner and outer sidewall with the inverted cavity forming an opening toward the distal end, proximal wicking end accessible via access opening;

a hollow tubular member defined by an outer sidewall and an inner sidewall, the hollow tubular member extending from the distal floor of heating chamber and surrounding the fluid pathway and the hollow tubular member for inserting within the inverted cavity for supporting the cavity ceiling and comprising at least a vapor aperture disposed therein proximate the ceiling of the inverted atomizer cup, the at least a vapor aperture in fluid communication with the fluid pathway with the inner sidewall facing the fluid pathway and the outer sidewall facing the cavity inner sidewall and the outer sidewall facing the cavity inner sidewall;

a vapor path extending distally from the access opening towards the distal floor and being deflected proximally between the cavity inner sidewall and the outer sidewall and further being deflected radially along the cavity ceiling and towards the at least a vapor aperture and distally through the fluid pathway to the vapor outlet and distally from the releasably engageable power and fluid pathway in fluid communication therewith, wherein the releasably engageable power and fluid pathway is for receiving of electrical power from an external power source for providing of the electrical power to the heating element wire,

wherein the heating element assembly comprises a porous ceramic structure for receiving a material for vaporization and for substantially containing the heating element wire embedded therein and for when the heating element wire is energized upon receiving of electrical energy from the external power source for wicking the material for the proximal wicking end towards the heating element wire and heating of the material for vaporization to a predetermined temperature for creating a vapor therefrom for being emitted into the vapor path from the cavity inner sidewall and for wicking the material for vaporization from the proximal end into the porous ceramic structure and for the vapor path to pass through the access opening.

10. A device for vaporization of concentrated phyto material extracts according to claim 9 comprising: wherein the heating element assembly comprises an annular heating element comprising a first electrical contact and a second electrical contact proximate the second side, the annular heating element comprising the heating element wire disposed between the first and second electrical contacts and the fluid pathway being at least partially disposed within inverted cavity with the fluid pathway being radially spaced from the inner sidewall.

11. A device for vaporization of concentrated phyto material extracts according to claim 9 comprising: a distally directed circuitous air and vapor path for distally extending from the access opening in a distal direction past the inverted cup heating assembly outer sidewall towards the distal floor and being deflected proximally by the distal floor for propagating proximally along the cavity inner sidewall and along the fluid pathway and being deflected by the cavity ceiling for propagating through the fluid pathway in fluid communication with the a vapor outlet at the distal end of the heating chamber housing.

12. A device for vaporization of concentrated phyto material extracts, the device attachable to a water pipe having an input port and an inhalation aperture with a waterpipe fluid pathway formed therebetween, the device comprising:

a heating chamber assembly comprising: a heating chamber housing having a proximal end and a distal end, an access opening at the proximal end, a vapor outlet at the distal end and the heating chamber assembly disposed within the device for vaporization and the heating chamber assembly comprising an annular heating element assembly disposed between the proximal end and the distal end;

a water pipe adapter having a fluid pathway therein for releasably engaging the downstem of the water pipe;

frictionally engaging of the water pipe adapter with the downstem of the water pipe for forming a fluid circuitous pathway from the access opening to the downstem of the water pipe;

suspending of the water pipe adapter and the heating chamber assembly and the control module by the frictionally engaging of the water pipe adapter with the downstem of the water pipe; and

engaging a control module with the heating chamber assembly for controllably providing of electrical energy to for creating a vapor when a phyto material extract is applied to the annular heating element assembly and the vapor flowing along a fluid circuitous pathway from the access opening to the downstem of the water pipe and further through the water pipe and into a mouthpiece thereof.

13. A device for vaporization of concentrated phyto material extracts according to claim 12 comprising:

a coupling module comprising a coupling module proximal end and a coupling module distal end opposite the coupling module proximal end, the coupling module proximal end comprising:

a releasably engageable power and fluid pathway receiver for releasably engaging with the releasably engageable power and fluid pathway and electrically coupled with the heating element assembly and,

the control module comprising: a proximal end, a distal end, and sidewalls extending from the proximal end to the distal end and a battery coupled with a control circuit enclosed between the proximal and distal ends of the control module, the control module having a long axis parallel with the sidewalls and a short axis perpendicular with the sidewalls.

14. A device for vaporization of concentrated phyto material extracts according to claim 13 comprising:

a control module receiver disposed between the coupling module proximal end and a coupling module distal end;

a water pipe adapter having a water pipe adapter proximal end for attaching with the coupling module distal end and having a water pipe adapter distal end for frictionally engaging a water pipe having a downstem from one of an outside surface of the downstem and an inside surface of the downstem, wherein the downstem comprises a lumen;

the fluid circuitous pathway comprising a vapor path extending through the releasably engageable power and fluid pathway receiver through the water pipe adapter for fluidly coupling of the fluid pathway with the downstem lumen; and

a control module connector electrically coupled with the control circuit and the control module connector formed on a sidewall of the control module, the control module connector for releasably engaging of the control module receiver for controllably providing of electrical power from the control circuit to the heating element assembly, wherein when the control module is releasably coupled with the coupling module the control module long axis is other than transverse with the vapor path.

15: A device for vaporization of concentrated phyto material extracts according to claim 14 and wherein controllably providing of electrical energy to the heating chamber assembly comprises: providing a heating profile from the received electrical energy from the external power source for applying of the heating profile to the heating chamber assembly comprising a heating element wire, the heating profile comprising a varying duty cycle of power allied from the control module to the heating element wire.

16. A device for vaporization of concentrated phyto material extracts according to claim 15 the heating chamber assembly comprises a heating element assembly comprises a porous ceramic structure formed from a unitary construction having and a proximal wicking end, the proximal wicking end for receiving a material for vaporization, the heating element wire embedded within the porous ceramic structure.